There is no point pretending that timesheet information and collection is glamorous. It isn't. It should just be part of normal mundane fabric of business. It should be routine and boring. But most importantly it should be quick, easy, and provide no disincentive to doing it. Good computerized systems should offer all of this.

Timesheet Automation The most basic benefit that a computerized timesheet system gives is one of automation, timesheet information is entered into a computer rather than onto paper. This eliminated need for people to transcribe their timesheet information from a diary onto a paper form, and then for administration staff to re-enter this information into a job costing system. The computerization allows you to completely eliminate middle steps. Staff enter information directly into job costing system.

The next logical step of computerization is to leverage off of computer to provide a host of other benefits. This includes interlocks like preventing people from booking time to projects that dont exist, or projects that are closed, or projects they should not be booking time to. It allows project managers to access live data showing actual time spent on their projects, this data can be manipulated and visualized in different ways using other computer software. It can even interface directly with dedicated project management software.

Other benefits can include automatic timing of work, popup information showing specific project information helping timesheet accuracy, daily timesheets, reminders telling people to fill in their timesheets, integration with messaging, email, and web, and live integration with accounting packages.

Conclusions By themselves each of these points makes a good argument for moving to a computerized timesheet system. Taken together they are truly compelling. Increased accuracy and reduction of billing cycle means that a computerized system can usually measure its payoff in just a few months. For any company that does bill its time, it is should not be an option any longer, it is a simple next step. Interested in looking at some low cost alternatives? Why not take a look at Timesheets Lite or Timesheets MTS. These are low cost systems ideally suited to small company.

Mark Nemtsas Moving Target Software Get low cost, efficient, timesheet software!

This article is © Moving Target Software, 2004. It can however be reproduced in full on any web page as long as it is edited in no way whatsover

4. Set deadlines. Employees will usually feel more responsible for a task when they’re held accountable. With no deadline, people tend to procrastinate and lose motivation. So help delegates set reasonable deadlines.

5. Identify methods for follow-up. Work with your employees to set a time for review of performance, such as a meeting to check progress or a phone call to see if they have any questions. The follow-up should be mutually determined at start. This way, subordinates know you are not trying to micromanage, but instead are trying to determine how work is progressing.

6. Train delegates, if necessary. Make sure delegates know how to do assignment. If they don’t, provide necessary training. The initial training may take more time than doing it yourself. But it will benefit you and them in long run.

7. Delegate responsibility and authority — not methods. As a leader, you need to grant your delegates responsibility to make everyday decisions. Have trust in them and try to give them freedom to work without you looking over their shoulders. Also, let subordinates complete tasks in manner they choose, as long as results are what you have specified. Otherwise, they might feel unmotivated and powerless if they have no room to think creatively and act as they see best.

8. Evaluate performance. After assignment has been completed, evaluate results, not methods. Evaluate task based on expectations and standards set when it was delegated. If certain aspects were left out when you initially defined job, don’t hold delegates responsible. Work with your employees to determine how you and they feel about how performance turned out and how it can be improved.

9. Acknowledge accomplishments and provide recognition. Always give recognition and praise for work delegates have done. By recognizing their efforts and letting them know you appreciate them, they will take greater pride in their work and may be more willing to help with assignments in future.

***** Copyright 2004, Kate Smalley Connecticut Secretary http://www.connecticutsecretary.com kms@connecticutsecretary.com Freelance Secretarial and Transcription Services